You are the Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:27

Paul the apostle in sharing about the “body” told the church members in Corinth when, “one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-seven of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthian church, “you are the body of Christ”, where we read:

Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

The verse begins, “Now you are the body of Christ, ...”. Paul began with the word, “now” which means “moreover and” “you are the body” which means “the church members in Corinth are the living organism” “of Christ” or “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul declared the church members to be the actual “body” of Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “... and members in particular.” Paul added the words, “and members” which means “the parts” “in particular” or “which is duly assigned and one of the constituent parts of a whole”. Paul added that each “member” of the “body of Christ” was and is a part of the “whole body”.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we should rejoice in being declared “the body of Christ”. Because Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the grave three days later, we may now enjoy “eternal life” with Him forever. We are the “revelation” of Him to the world as we unify together with our different parts that are “duly assigned and on of the constituent parts of the whole”, and as we fulfill, Jesus' words, “by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13:35).

Next time Paul shares with the church members how, “God has set some in the church”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

One Suffers All Suffer 1 Corinthians 12:26

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth “there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-six of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the Corinthian church about when, “one member suffers, all the members suffer with it”, where we read:

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it;

or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.

The verse begins, “And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it;”. Paul began with the words, “and whether” which means “and if” “one member” which means “a sole and only limb or part” “suffers” or “is affected, feels, experiences and undergoes the pain, passion or vexing” “all the members” or “each, every, the whole and everyone of the limbs or part” “suffer with it” which means “are affected, feels, experiences and undergoes the pain, passion and vexing alongside that limb or part”. When one part of the “body” encounters “pain” and “suffering”, all the other parts “suffer” with that part.

The verse continues, “or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.” Paul added the words, “or one member” which means “or when a sole and only part” “be honored” or “is praised, extolled, magnified, celebrated, made glorious, adorned with luster and clothed with splendor”, “all” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone of” “the members” or “the limbs or parts” “rejoice with it” which means “sympathize with gladness and congratulate that limb or part”. When one part of the “body” is “magnified and extolled”, the other parts “of the body” celebrate with that part.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see how each of the “parts” of the “body” has “compassion” and “celebration” for the other “parts” of the body. For example, if we stub our little toe, our entire body has “compassion” upon it. We feel it throughout our entire physical being, and the “body” works in cooperation with that little toe to bring it back to health. So also does the “body” respond when something honorable happens such as eating a favorite food or drinking a favorite drink. Paul's idea was that the “church of Jesus”, which is comprised of “believers in Him”, should both have empathy for others in the church when they suffer and should celebrate with them when they are honored. The “body of Christ” should reflect the natural way of God, and He understood both “suffering” and “honor”, and His attention and empathy are toward us. Let us live in such a manner that we reflect our God find as we “suffer with those who suffer”, and “rejoice with those who are honored”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning how, “you are the body of Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No Schism in the Body 1 Corinthians 12:25

As Paul the apostle continued to share with the church members in Corinth about the “body”, he declared how, “God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-five of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the Corinthian church the reason, “there should be no schism in the body”, where we read:

That there should be no schism in the body;

but that the members should have the same care one for another.

The verse begins, “That there should be no schism in the body;”. Paul began with the words, “that there should be” which means “so there may be” “no schism” which means “no rent, division or dissension” “in the body” or “in the living corpse or carcass”. The reason God gave greater honor to “the part of the body that lacked” was because He did not want “division and dissension” in the “body”.

The verse goes on to say, “ but that the members should have the same care one for another.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “that the members” which means “the parts in the body” “should have the same” or “would have the very and identical” “care” which means “providing for and thought” “one for another” or “reciprocally or mutually”. Paul declared rather than having “division” in the “body”, they were to care for each other.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see how the different parts of the “body” were not to be “divided”, but were to look out and have concern for each other. Even as one “part” of the human “body” has empathy for another when hurt or damaged, so should “members” of Christ's “body” care for one another. Jesus Christ's “body”, “the church”, is not to “divided” but “unified”, and when “the church” demonstrates “unity”, the world will see more of Jesus Christ. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning how, “when one member suffers, all the members suffer”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

More Abundant Honor to the Lacking Part 1 Corinthians 12:24

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth how he and they, “bestow more abundant honor” … to “those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-four of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the Corinthian church about the, “more abundant honor to that part which lacked”, where we read:

For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together,

having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:

The verse begins, “For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, ...”. Paul began with the word, “For” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, verily and therefore “our comely parts” which means “our elegant, shapely, graceful, honorable and respectable” “have no need” which means “do not have necessity, duty and business”: “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just state “God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “has tempered” or “mixed together, commingled and united” “the body” which means “the living corpse or carcass” “together” or “with one another”. Paul declared the “beautiful” parts of “the body” have no need to be “honored”, however “God” has combined all the “parts” together within the “body”.

The verse continues, “... having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:” Paul added the words, “having given” which means “having granted, supplied, furnished and delivered” “more abundant” or “exceeding, over and above, superadded and supreme” “honor” which means “value, deference and reverence” “to that part” or “toward the portion or member” “which lacked” which means “fell short, came behind and was inferior in influence and rank”. God has insured “greater value” to the “parts” of the “body” which are inferior and “fall short” of the others.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we see how God is involved in the “body” composition. He not only give “honor” to the more notable “parts” of the “body”, but gives great value to the “parts” that are less esteemed. The church is Jesus Christ's “body” on earth, and God has made each and every “member” within it to be “honored”, and wherever we find ourselves in the “body of Christ”, let us remember, God often gives “more abundant honor” to those “parts” that seem “less in rank”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning, “no schism in the body”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Less Honored Bestowed More Honor 1 Corinthians 12:23

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth how, “those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-three of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the Corinthian church about the, “members...less honorable”, where we read:

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

The verse begins, “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor;”. Paul began with the words, “And those members” which means “limbs or parts” “of the body” or “of the living corpse or carcass”, “which we think” which means “that Paul and the church member consider, suppose and judge” “to be less honorable” which means “that are without honor of of less comparative degree”, “upon these” or “upon those less honorable members” “we bestow” which means “Paul and the church members place, present, confer and put upon” “more abundant” or “exceeding above and over than is necessary supreme” “honor” which means “value, deference and reverence”. Paul referred to the way people give great “honor” to parts of the “body” that are usually thought of as to “lower degree”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.” Paul added the words, “and our uncomely” which means “our deformed, indecent and unseemly” “parts” or “members” “have more” which means “hold, own and possess “abundant” or superior, extraordinary, surpassing and uncommon” “comeliness” which means “charm, elegance, external beauty, decorum and modesty”. Paul added that the “indecent and unseemly” “parts” of the “body” are given a “greater beauty and decorum” than the others.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we see how he places great value upon the “parts” of the “body” that may be deemed “unworthy” or “less honorable”. The internal “parts” of the “body” are not seen from the outside, however, “parts” such as the heart, lungs, brain and muscles are extremely valuable to the “body” functions. Jesus Christ's “body”, the church, has many “members” within it who are not as easily seen or may be clandestine to others, however, their value is “honored” by God to a greater degree. May we realize the “honor” that should be placed upon both beautiful and “uncomely” parts to the “body of Christ”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning how, “God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Necessary Feeble Members 1 Corinthians 12:22

As Paul the apostle continued to share about the importance of each “part” of the “the body”, he wrote concerning the “eye, hand, head and feet” and questioned whether they had “need” of each other. In chapter twelve and verse twenty-two of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the church members how there are, “those members...which seem more feeble”, where we read:

No, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

The verse begins, “No, much more those members of the body, ...”. Paul began with the word, “No” which means “not at all, nevertheless and notwithstanding”, “much more” which means “to a larger and greater degree” “those members” which means “the limbs and parts” “of the body” or “of the living corpse or carcass”. Paul referred to the “parts” of the body to a “greater degree”.

The verse goes on to say, “... which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:” Paul continued the words, “which seem” which means “is of the opinion, thinks and supposes” “to be” or “to be at hand and readily” “more feeble” which means “to a greater degree weak, infirm and sick”, “are necessary” or “what one cannot do without and indispensable”. Paul declared the “parts” which are deemed “weak and infirm” as “indispensable”.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see how every “part” of the “body” is significant regardless of how small or “weak” it may seem. The “body” works as a whole, and each of the “members” have their special role. The church of Jesus Christ is the same way, and each of it's “parts” and “functions” add to the whole. Jesus Christ desires a “body” or “church” that is comprised of all the “members” within it, and as we allow Him to do His work through us, we become a witness to the world that He not only exists, but He functions best with the “necessary feeble members”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning how, “those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Exude

When thought upon what lies within

the soul and heart of strong-willed men

What emanates when testing comes

that lies beneath the surface throng

Cause be the pressure that doth reveal

and give off truth of life unsealed

and manifests the deeper part

that flowing forth within the heart

The percolate of studied path

that radiates the cheer or wrath

whose ooze is bled and thus discharged

expelled from lower bellowed targe

The issues peaked and soon to pass

doth now exude thine ab-lib cast

while weeping thrust doth make aware

the leaking soul that thou dost bear

Secreted spirit brought forth to show

the actual life that thou hast known

evacuate of psyche's tell

where no one else has dipped thy well

Exhibit of exceeding fear

and joys beneath thy outward cheer

that seeping forth through love-bound woe

excreted truth of trickled flow

I Have no Need of You 1 Corinthians 12:21

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, there “are many members, yet but one body”. In chapter twelve and verse twenty-one of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the church members how the “the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”, where we read:

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you:

nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

The verse begins, “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you:”. Paul began with the words, “and the eye” which means “the part of the body used for vision and sight” “cannot say” which means “is not able to utter, proclaim or declare” “unto the hand” which means “the extremity and manus of the body”, “I have” or “the eye has” “no need” which means “no necessity, duty or business” “of you” or “of the hand”. Paul gave a further example of how the “eye” cannot say the “hand” that it has not business the “hand”.

The verse continues, “...nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” Paul added the words, “nor again” which means “and furthermore” “the head” or “the head of the body” “to the feet” which refers to “the feet of the body”, “I have” or “the head has” “no need” which means “no necessity, duty or business” “of you”. Paul added how the “head” could not say to the “feet” that it has no need of the “feet”.

When we meditate these words from Paul, we see yet further examples of the need for each part of the “body”. The “eye, hand, head and feet” have different functions in the “body” but are all part of the “body” as a whole. The same is true for the “body of Christ”. There are varieties of parts, but they all comprise the body as a whole. Those who are believers in Christ, like the parts of the human body, are not to say they “have no need of you”, but should embrace the idea that each part is important to the whole body so the world will know that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning, “No, much more those members of the body”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Many Members One Body 1 Corinthians 12:20

As Paul the apostle continued to share with the church members in Corinth concerning the different parts of the body, he asked , “if they were all one member, where were the body?”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty of First Corinthians, Paul shared how there are, “many members … but one body”, where we read:

But now are they many members, yet but one body.

The verse begins, “But now are they many members, ...”. Paul began with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “now” which means “at this time and in the present” “are they” which means “the parts of the body” “many members” or “much and large amounts of parts”. Paul stated that there are “many parts” that belong to the “body”.

The verse goes on to say, “...yet but one body.” Paul continued with the words, “yet but” which means “”moreover and “one body” or “a single and sole living corpse or carcass ”. Paul concluded that all the parts, though many of them, make up “one single body”.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see how he desires to demonstrate for the church members in Corinth how all the parts of the body make up “one sole body”, and the individual “members” of the “body” combine together to form the whole. Such is the case with the “church of Jesus” which is made of “many” different people and “gifts” and yet still comprises “one sole and single body of Christ”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members whether “the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Unknown

Anonymous yet it shall be

these foreign things I cannot see

the nameless crew of secret heart

that keeps my thoughts within the dark

The new and still yet unexplained

remote concealed and thus unnamed

those strange and foreign unperceived

the distant faraway from me

That alien and far-off thought

both unexplored and offered not

the undiscovered unperceived

be hidden far with silent plea

Left questioning unrecognized

the little known untold reprise

The often vast and unexplored

and unfamiliar untoward

These random unidentified

incognito rack my mind

with little known and unrevealed

while still the mystery solid sealed

But down in script I'll prose my heart

and bring the unrevealed to art

the un-noted and clandestine

that taunt and thrash my tortured mind

And un-renowned I'll stay the same

without distinction to my name

with hidden thoughts that be my own

to join enigma of the unknown

Strings

Why this gift thou hast bestowed

upon me for no grounds at all?

Could this be luck or chance or fate?

Might it be share or due backpay?

Could this be just my lucky day

that thou hast given me this way?

I know not why this present be

this one that thou hast given me

But yet once more on close inspect

I become sure and circumspect

For I see strings that be below

this charming gift thou hast bestowed

The labels on these dangling chords

consist of dues and debt and owe

They meant to chain me to thyself

in wretched pain on mindless shelf

And bind me to thy wretched trap

to make me thus be thy doormat

Where I shall not escape at all

but be thy slave until the pall

And thus shall I thy gift refuse

I care not for it's valued use

Take back thy gift I do not care

for capture that thy gifts do bear

All One Member? 1 Corinthians 12:19

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, :the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you”, and in chapter twelve and verse nineteen of First Corinthians, Paul the church members to consider, “if they were all one member”, where we read:

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

The verse begins, “And if they were all one member, ...”. Paul began with the word, “and if they” which refers to “the different parts of the body” “were all” which means “were each, every, the whole and everyone” “one member” which means “one single and sole part”. Paul had the church members consider if all the “parts” of the body were as one single part.

The verse continues, “... where were the body?” Paul added the words, “where” which means “otherwise whither” “were the body” or “would be the living corpse or carcass”. Paul asked if there were only “one sole member”, how would it have a whole “body”?

When we consider these words from Paul, we see how he isolates the idea of the body being made up of more than “one member”. If there was only “one part”, there would be no “body”. Each “part” is important to the function of the whole, and this applies to the “body of Jesus Christ” as well. Each person who is a Christian is a “part” of the “whole body of Christ”, and as we consider what our “part” is, let us always be mindful that effectiveness comes from “the whole body of Christ”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members concerning, “faith” and “the gifts of healing”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.